"Over and over, in his writing, his teaching, and the way he interacted with those around him Bill absorbed the best of everyone he knew, and longed for humanity to do better because he knew we had it in us. It was almost as pleasurable to watch him as a spectator at someone else's reading, on the edge of his seat, draining the nectar out of every word. You could be sure that whatever he took would be given back, as part of an essay, a poem, or advice to a student or a friend."